UK factory production has hit a one-and-a-half year low, registering a score of 44.9 in March, which indicates contraction, as reported by the S&P Global UK manufacturing PMI survey. This decline, now ongoing for five months, poses significant challenges for smaller manufacturers, who are experiencing disrupted new orders as a result of rising costs and tariffs. The tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump on UK aluminium and steel have further heightened uncertainty in the manufacturing sector. Rob Dobson from S&P Global noted that companies are affected by deteriorating domestic market conditions and escalating costs linked to national wage changes.